MANAonline
Illegal fuel and cannabis traders busted in Kawale
By Hastings Yobe
Lilongwe,30 June, Mana: Kawale Police have arrested six suspects and seized 350 liters of fuel in a targeted operation aimed at combating illegal petroleum and cannabis trade.
Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri revealed that the operation, conducted on August 30, 2024, was prompted by intelligence reports from construction companies regarding fuel theft and illegal sales.
Three suspects; Charles Pearson (35), Felix Kapito (24), and Winfred Njirayafa (35), will face charges of selling petroleum without a license. Meanwhile, Samuel Chikoja (44), Bashir Chalizeni (24), and Wezzie Mumba (24) have been charged with possession of cannabis sativa without a license.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court on September 2, 2024, pending completion of paperwork.
"This operation demonstrates our commitment to combating illicit trade and ensuring public safety,” Said Phiri.
MACRA launches Campus Radio project
By Patience Longwe
Lilongwe, August 30, Mana: The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has launched Campus Radio project highlighting that it will enable more local content and provide hands on experience to students.
Speaking during the launch at ShareWorld University Lilongwe Campus on Friday, MACRA Director General, Daudi Suleman underscored that the idea is to ensure that more local content is generated in the country and that many communities have access to content related to their environment and localities.
“Our expectations are that we should have more vibrant communities that are well-informed, aware of things happening within their localities. Most importantly, we can build more business linkages within under-served communities that will surround these campus radio stations,” Suleman stated.
Council Chairperson for ShareWorld University, Dr. Jerry Jana said this innovative initiative by MACRA marks a significant milestone in enhancing practical training for radio content production in Malawi for students.
“This project will help enhance the caliber of mass communication professionals we produce as we continue to offer quality education here at ShareWorld Open University,” said Jana.
The project is being established by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) in educational institutions of higher learning to enhance practical training for radio content production and the use of digital multimedia platforms in Malawi.
Malawi coach Patrick Mabedi names Flames squad
By Petro Mkandawire
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Flames head coach, Patrick Mabedi on Friday named 28 players, a squad for 2026 African Cup of Nation (A FCON) qualifiers against Burundi and Burkina Faso on September 5 and 10.
Innocent Nyasulu, George Chikooka, Brighton Munthali, Mark Lameck, Nickson Mwase, Maxwell Papillon, Stanley Sanudi, Lawrence Chaziya, Nickson Nyasulu, Precious Sambani, Denis Chembezi, Llyod Aaron, Wongani Lungu, Wisdom Mpinganjira, Chimwemwe Idana, Uchizi Vunga, Patrick Macheso, Chikondi Kamanga, Lanjesi Nkhoma, Patrick Mwaungulu, John Banda, Yamikani Chester, Robert Saizi, Zeliat Nkhoma, Gaddie Chirwa, Chawanangwa Kaonga and Chifundo Mphasi are the players ready for the AFCOM 2026
Speaking during the briefing at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Mabedi said he believes in his competitive squad, which will make a significant impact on the continental stage of the 2026 AFCON qualifiers and urged football lovers to accept his decision as he has brought a winning squad.
“Let us all believe in the squad, I am assuring football lovers that these players will succeed and play according to my system,” said Mabedi.
He added that as a team they need to do things without other international players like Gabadinho Mhango citing that as a coach he focuses on players that will fit in his system.
In separate interview with sports expert, Frank Kandu said the squad lacks depth but there isn't much that the coach can do, adding that it lacks real hitman and stickers considering that every team needs goals.
“Every team needs goals and more goals but the squad have few strikers. There no real hitman there. Let's wait and see if the one entrusted will deliver on the match day", said Kandu, adding that the team needs a player like Gaba's calibre.
He said it was unfortunate that the coach did not pick him, adding Gaba is not too old to play.
President Chakwera says the appointment of SCs are not political
By Sellah Singini
Lilongwe, 30 August, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has said the conferment of Senior Counsel (SC) to Eight Justices of Appeal is not a political appointment and that he would never entertain the practice of giving positions as a political favour.
Dr Chakwera made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday, when he conferred the SC title to the newly appointed ones.
The eight Justices of Appeal who have received the honours of Senior Counsel are Justice Healey Potani, Justice John Nelson Katsala, Justice Ivy Chatha Kamanga, Justice Mankhambira Charles Ching’anyi Mkandawire, Justice Dingiswayo Madise, Justice Dolothy Nyakaunda Kamanga, Justice Silvester Augustino Kalembera and Justice Rowland Mvundula.
Speaking at Kamuzu palace, President Chakwera said, the appointment of those conferred followed all the recommended processes.
“I must therefore make it clear that any practice from the past that gave the title Senior Counsel as a political favour ends with me. For this is not a political appointment, but a fulfilment of what the law requires of the Honours Committee when it comes to those who have accomplishments and credentials in the legal profession,” he said.
“Today, we are designating senior counsel members of the legal profession who have been recommended to me by the honours committee chaired by the Chief Justice. I must therefore make it clear that any practice from the past that gave the title of SC as a political favour ends with me,” he added.
The President therefore, congratulated the SCs for the achievement and expected them to be impartial and objective.
Minister of Justice Titus Mvalo highlighted how crucial it is to recognize the efforts, integrity and abilities of the conferred Justices of appeal in the legal affairs of the country.
In an interview, Justice Ivy Chatha Kamanga said she feels honoured and privileged for the recognition.
She said the honour is giving them responsibility to deliver to the expectations of all the Malawians.
Dedza women embrace Digital Financing Services
By Steve Chirombo
Dedza, August 30, Mana: Women who ply various small-scale businesses and those in Village Savings and Loans (VSLs), in Dedza district, have hailed awareness raising campaign being conducted by AC Consulting in conjunction with the Reserve Bank of Malawi and the Ministry of Finance on Digital Financial Services (DFS).
The campaign which is being done with support from the African Development Bank (ADB) seeks to educate the communities on the need to embrace digital financial transactions through banks and mobile money companies describing them as safe and secure.
One of the women, Labina Samuel a tailor from Mthandizi area under Traditional Authority (T/A) Kachere in the district stated that she embraces the initiative as it simplifies her financial transactions.
Samuel said: “When I am doing my business, I recommend mobile money transactions because it simplifies my work. Customers do send exact money as agreed and I do not have to go about looking for change hence it saves my time.”
Another woman, Linda Chinyanga, from Katsekaminga under T/A Kamenyagwaza who sells bread and other food items said DFS is fast, easy and secure.
“I know more about Airtel money and Mpamba transactions. Some of the challenges experienced are network hitches. These affect our businesses sometimes particularly when we are receiving money from customers,” she stated.
On the other hand, a VSL member, Tereza Fountain from Mkwinda Village under T/A Chilikumwendo expressed satisfaction with the messages on DFS especially on mobile banking.
She said like many other community members, she could not fully understand the technologies and that there was a need for continued efforts in disseminating messages on DFS so that many communities understand the need to embrace the initiative.
On his part, Traditional Authority Chauma applauded government for enabling the initiative to happen and reach out to the communities with the DFS messages while appealing for continued updates on the same and also accommodating the less privileged like the elderly and those with disabilities.
Speaking in a separate interview one of the facilitators under AC Consulting, Margret Luis Mbwana said they are in Dedza for a month reaching out to people in markets, VSLs and Area Development Committees (ADCs) with DFS messages.
“The government realizes that VSLs, women and all those doing small-scale businesses are the ones that contribute to the development of the country. This is why we are encouraging them to know about mobile banking, TNM Mudziwathu, Mpamba ndikankhe, Airtel Kutchova and other services.
We are imparting them with messages on how they can transfer cash in their mobile phones without traveling long distances to the banks. We all need to embrace DFS because the government uses more resources in issuing paper monies,” she said.
Jetu finds love
By Lisa Lamya
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: It was all fun for Jetu (Christina Kholiyo) fans Thursday night when she participated in a Blind Date Show in search of love.
The 40-minute show was hosted by Kelvin Ngumuya popularly known as Jaa Kev of Madness Entertainment.
The show brought together seven eligible bachelors from across Malawi who were hoping to win the heart of Malawi’s Amapiano Queen.
Dressed in a white suit with rose flower patches on her jacket designed by award-winning fashion designer, Xandria, Jetu looked gorgeous; her killer outfit was complemented by Oxford shoes, a wig, and her signature white sunglasses.
The eligible bachelors were between the ages of 25 and 50, but they were all not fazed by Jetu’s age which is 71.
The men carried balloons and when Jetu was not pleased with some of the qualities of the men, she popped the balloon signifying that they stood no chance to win her over.
In the final round of the show, Jetu picked one luck one, 55 year old Ian Chitsekula and the decision to continue dating after the show is up to them.
In an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana), Assistant Manager at Madness Entertainment, Review Wasema said some participants have found love through the show and they have no hand in what happens after the show.
“We sponsor the show, for instance, Jetu’s show cost us about K1 million and because people subscribe to watch the show we give the participants a share of the proceeds,” he stated.
The show is being accessed through Ulinzinga platform at a fee of K1,000.
Jetus’s fans supported her quest for a lover through her Facebook page such that Evans Namasiku wrote: “This is beautiful, big up to everyone taking part in our Jetu's life transformation,”.
Jetu is currently one of the biggest artists in Malawi, her songs “Simunatchene and “Chakwaza” have 779,000, and 2.4 million YouTube views respectively.
Silver Strikers drop points in Karonga
By George Mponda
Karonga, August 30, Mana: TNM Super League leaders, Silver Strikers Football Club have dropped two points after playing to a one-all draw against relegation-threatened Chitipa United at Karonga Stadium Thursday.
Silver who are yet to taste defeat this season were stunned by Ramadan Ntafu's penalty 26 minutes after their defender Nickson Mwase handled the ball in the 18-yard box.
Immediately after Ntafu converted his penalty into a score, the Bankers’ Coach, Peter Mponda made two changes bringing in Charles Chipala and Gift Chunga whilst Zebron Kalima and Chinsisi Maonga were rested and the first half ended 1-0.
In the second half, Charles Chipala headed home a throw-in by McDonald Lameck at 51 minutes to level the scores and they held each other until the referee blew his whistle ending the game at 1-1.
Rajab Nyirenda of Chitipa United was voted Man of the Match at the end of the game.
In post-match interviews, Silver Strikers Coach, Peter Mponda hailed his boys for maintaining their unbeaten run in the league this season.
"Although we planned to collect all three points, we have salvaged a point which will still help us in our quest to win the league this season. Chitipa scored from a penalty and after that, they did nothing much, all the same, this result is not bad for us,"Mponda said.
On his part, Head Coach for Chitipa United Christopher Nyambose promised the team’s fans that the team will not be relegated this season.
"If our team is relegated then we will kill football in Chitipa so our plan in the second round is to collect points which will ensure our survival in the league,"Nyambose said.
At the moment, Silver Strikers are leading the league with 44 points from 18 games followed by Mighty Mukuru Wanderers who have collected 38 points from 19 games.
Chitseka, a teen launches Jimbo Mart
By Alex Kachingwe
Blantyre, August 30, Mana: Blantyre-based teen, Prince Chitseka has launched Jimbo Mart, a company that connects sellers and buyers across the country to transact electronically in what is termed, e-commerce.
18-year-old, Chitseka who is the founder of Jimbo Mart told Malawi News Agency that he decided to establish the company after observing a gap in e-commerce.
He said a lot of businesses in Malawi fail to increase their visibility and market reach, adding that the gap prevents business people from selling their products.
“Jimbo Mart provides a platform where sellers can create an online store for their products and be able to reach a wider market and at the same time buyers can browse through different products, enabling them to purchase these products anywhere,” said Chitseka.
To prevent online fraud, he explained that every seller on the platform undergoes a verification process before uploading their products to ensure that the uploaded products are real and available in stock.
“The company has an additional security measure (escrow) which allows a buyer to make payment on the platform and the company holds the payment until the seller completely delivers the purchased product to a customer,” Chitseka added.
Commenting on the innovation, Blantyre-based business expert, Hope Jabes hailed Chitseka for being innovative saying this is the right innovation in the right direction in this modern digital era.
“We are living in a digital world where we cannot run away from the use of technology. Providing such business platforms means buyers can access a variety of products they want everywhere, every time,” he said.
Jabes said Chitseka’s marketing innovation adds more value to modernization which is in line with the Malawi 2063 agenda, adding that a cross section of Malawians including young men need to play significant roles to achieve the goal.
“We need to learn the good impact of modernized technology which can increase economic growth, business market and national development,” he added.
Chitseka launched Jimbo Mart this year and offers free services to its customers until the end of the year.
The e-commerce company currently has registered 150 sellers and about 200 buyers have created accounts with the company.
Chitseka is currently doing an Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management at the International College of Business and Management.
Local authorities urged to be closer to people
By George Bulombola
Mzuzu, August 30, Mana: Deputy Minister for Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika, Thursday urged local authorities to take central government close to the people by ensuring quality service delivery for improved access to social amenities.
Chomanika was speaking in Mzuzu when he opened a tow-day quarterly coordination meeting for local authority drawn from the north including Nkhotakota and Kasungu district councils.
He said central government has never been local and that local authorities are there to manifest government’s development initiatives for the benefit of local communities.
“Local authorities work through local structures as such they play in leading role in transforming the country through implementation projects under various sectors,” said Chomanika.
He then called for well-coordinated and team working spirit amongst all players who include directors, controlling officers who are either District Commissioners (DC), Chief Executive Officers, councilors, members of parliament (MP) and traditional authorities to ensure sanity in the council’s management and operations.
“This meeting has therefore been organized for the local authorities to reflect how the councils are performing.
There are some problems surrounding lack of commitment to duty by some members of staff, we have departments that are not talking to each other and all these challenges are issues of coordination, hence the meeting,” he said.
Chomanika also expressed concern over some non-functional positions as the assigned officers are incompetent and that some are too busy in what is not under their job descriptions besides increased executive absenteeism.
“I therefore advised all players in local authorities to be patriotic and as public officers, they need to serve the public. Everyone should work within to the expectations of his/her roles.
“We are running away from a situation where a council chairperson feels is more like a (DC) and a DC feels more like an MP. A director of finance working like a procurement officer and procurement officers behaves like a directors of public works,” he said.
Chairperson for National Local Government Finance Committee, Richard Chapweteka said local authorities have had challenges in financial management and that the issue continues to be addressed through officers’ trainings and recruitment of qualified officers.
“In this meeting we want to reflect on what we need to improve service delivery and encourage each other to sustain the gains we have made so far such as increased financing to councils, councilors introduced on payroll, financing of construction of city and town roads and increased financing to social support programmes,” said Chapweteka.
However, Chapweteka expressed over underutilization of resources by councils, saying the challenge emanates from late commencement of procurement processes as councils wait to start the process until they have the money into their bank accounts thereby impacting negatively on projects’ implementation.
“My advice to avert this issue is that councils should start procurement processes before the money is in their accounts as they already have plans and budgets and know what they would like to do in a given financial year,” he added.
DC for Chitipa, Mac Millan Magomero said absenteeism and incompetency by officers in councils could be ascertained as true as some of them take their work as usual.
“That aside, for the first time in the history of the country, local authorities have attained clean audit reports,” said Magomero.
Ministry of Mining says it will soon open state of the art laboratory
By Christina Mkutumula
Lilongwe, August 30, Mana: Ministry of Mining says the country will soon have state of the art laboratory where all analysis of mines will be done.
Director of Administration in the ministry Andrew Chisamba told Journalists on Thursday, that the opening of the laboratory is waiting for few final touches to be done which is expected to take a month or so.
“The laboratory is almost functional now and the equipment is being mounted, a few things are remaining like to construct vents in the laboratory for equipment that requires vents, and soon we will roll out,” he said.
He said the laboratory is beneficial to the country as it will now be analyzing its samples within and not sending them elsewhere.
“This laboratory is of benefit to Malawians because in the past we used to send samples outside for analysis but now we will be able to do that ourselves.
“This will cut on forex for the services that we used to pay and also will cut on the time that it took for us to get analysis results. This will have an impact on the process of Mining in the country,” he said.
Chisamba further explained that the state-of-the-art laboratory is the first of its kind in this part of Africa as neighbouring Zambia and Tanzania also send to other countries to have their mines analysed.
“This means that we have not created something for ourselves as a country, but also for our neighbours who will be sending their mines to be analysed in Malawi,” he said.
Responding if the country has enough minerals, Chisamba said Malawi has more minerals especially critical minerals which are used for clean energy production saying as the world is moving towards clean energy, there are critical minerals which are currently in high demand and Malawi has to utilize that.
